Exhaust Smoke

Quick question guys! I'm new here as I've just bought my first Tacoma. She's a 2016 SR5 4x4 with 40k. I got a good deal on it and I'm in love with the truck.

My question is about the exhaust. The last two mornings I've drove to work I've had an issue that irked me a little. I'd start the truck up and see some white smoke/vapor coming out the exhaust. It's been about 40 -45 degrees in the morning so I thought nothing of it. I drove to work about 15 miles away. When I got to work I parked and noticed I had the same white smoke/vapor coming out of the exhaust when she was idling. I didn't see any exhaust when I was driving though, only at red lights. I do live in new england and it's generally a little humid here.

My coolant is low but the level hasn't moved after 250 miles. Same with the oil. The coolant is about a thumbs width above the low line. There are no leaks I can see.

Am I over reacting or is this an issue that should be throwing up some red flags?

 

These trucks are tuned to run rich... so the exhaust is normally pretty nasty looking. Given it's a 16, there is a possibility you have the CKP sensor issue (crankshaft position sensor) which is at the core of ignition / air-fuel calculations as it measures engine speed. On many 16s and early 17s there was an issue with the rotors on the crankshaft leading to static build-up on the sensor over time that caused many to stall and fail and even for those (such as mine) that didn't fail it had my truck running really rich at times

Potential issue, but who knows.

 

I would not worry unless the fluids move or smoke under load. You could have the oil analyzed.

 

You're fine. My 2006 AC 4.0 does it and same with my 2016 3.5.

Edit. Thinking back, I remember my uncle seeing it on my 06 and saying I need a new engine. I guess it can be concerning if you haven't seen it before.

 

does the same thing happen when the truck warms up? Mine did that all winter (1-40 degrees). but would stop by the time i got to work and the truck had warmed up (after an hour drive)

 

Hmmm uh oh. Yeah mine went away shortly after start. Once rpm's cycled down.

 

It's a 20-30 min drive on the backroads for me and once it was up to temp I could still see the exhaust

 

I mean you'll see exhaust when its really cold out but it does it every time? At any temp?

 

No, seems to just be below 45. It about 70 right now and I don't see anything

 

If it's not black and doesn't smell I wouldn't worry about it to much. You're humidity level is around 40% so that could make your exhaust more visible in the cold.

 

Your good

 

Condensation.

 

Happens with literally every car on the road today

 

I could be completely wrong, but I’m pretty sure OVTune mentioned something about white “smoke” in the stock tune. I think I read it in one of the tune threads a while back. Maybe like others above said the stock tune runs a little rich. I’d look for his comment but I’m on cell.

 

The exhaust system in our trucks is quite long....giving the opportunity for lots of condensed moisture to form as it cools from the night before.

When you start up the next morning the hot exhaust fumes hit that moisture and throw it out the tail pipe in the form of water vapor

Perfectly normal

 

Looks like a stock tune quirk per the master OVTune. Its either that or just condensation. Either way no biggie.

 

For every 1 gallon of gas you burn you produce 1.52 gallons of water. Source: WikiAnswers

 

I spoke to my mechanic, he said to drop it off and he can test the exhaust to see if there if there's anything in it. That will be the ultimate tell all. Hes also going to check the oil and coolant. From everyone's responses it seems to be nothing to worry about though which is reassuring. I picked the truck up at a good price im just praying there isnt a hidden reason for it lol. When I get some answers I'll make sure to fill you guys in and thanks a ton for your responses!

 

Great news! It's totally normal! No coolant out the exhaust, no coolant in the oil and to top if off he was impressed with the condition the truck was in!

Thanks again everyone for your responses, you guys rock!